Where to Eat in New York City

Street Vendors

New York is a city that never sleeps, which is why both locals and many tourists choose to eat on the street and make the most of the day thanks to the number of street carts that can be found on every corner in Manhattan. If you're thinking of trying one, we recommend you always go to the ones near the big offices—you'll be better off in terms of quality and less likely to be ripped off.

The two key elements of New York food that can be found on every street corner are hot dogs and pizza, two must-tries in New York, not to mention the legendary burgers.

You’ll find hot dog stands in most street corners of Manhattan, costing about US$ 2, but it’s always best to ask before being served as the prices are normally not visible. If you are charged over US$ 2 try bargaining or going to another hot dog stand.

Street vendors also usually offer bagels and pizza. You’ll be able to buy pizza at any American fast food restaurant, shop or supermarket. The quality is usually not bad and the portions are large, although there isn’t much variety. One portion normally cost US$ 3.

One of the most common things you'll see whilst walking around Manhattan are people carrying their coffees to go. In summer, New Yorkers usually buy smoothies instead.

Average Restaurant Prices

If your stay in New York gives you time to relax and take it easy at mealtimes, there are plenty of restaurants in the city where you can go. The sheer diversity of the city means that you can almost always choose the type of food you fancy, and, depending on where you go, you shouldn't worry too much about going over budget. Eating in a restaurant can cost around US$ 15 a plate.

Reserving a table is not necessary in most establishments, in fact, some don't even allow reservations. If your plan is something more special or you're planning to go to a more trendy restaurant in the city, we recommend making a reservation.

Taxes and Tips

Taxes in restaurants are 8.8% and are never included in the menu, so be aware of this before ordering or you may be in for a surprise when it comes time to pay.

Tips, contrary to many other countries, aren’t optional, but obligatory. Tips must vary between 10% and 20% depending on the quality of the service provided. Tipping less than 10% is normally unacceptable and is not recommended. In certain restaurants, the tip is included in the bill as “gratuity”.

Best Areas to Eat Out

Although you will find both fast food outlets and restaurants all across the city, there are certain areas of New York City which are particularly noteworthy for eating out:​

Chinatown

If you like Asian food, and particularly Chinese food, you cannot leave New York without eating at one of the hundreds of restaurants in Chinatown. The price is not at all expensive and the portions are huge so be careful when you order!

Little Italy

Although it isn’t difficult to find restaurants that serve pizza or pasta, the quality of the Italian restaurants in Little Italy is usually impressive and definitely recommendable. 

Times Square

Times Square is full of restaurants that offer typical American food for tourists, such as Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe and many others with impressive decoration.

If you have purchased the New York Pass or any other tourist card, do not miss the opportunity to use the discounts in New York restaurants.